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by The Stoddard Firm - October 3rd, 2024
Accepting a motorcycle accident settlement for your damages is a decision that can impact your life forever. An offer that is too low can prevent you from receiving the ongoing care your body and mind need from such a traumatic event.
A Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer has experience working on behalf of victims and will manage the intricate details of a lawsuit so their client can focus on healing.
If you suffered severe or catastrophic injuries in a motorcycle accident, you may want to schedule a free consultation as soon as possible.
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The one to three months following a motorcycle accident are ones generally full of medical appointments, procedures, and recovery. Medical care is a top priority and requires as much rest and as little stress as possible.
Accident victims are at a disadvantage when it comes to personal injury claims. Medications, surgeries, and other healthcare needs make it challenging to navigate the claim process.
As the responsible party’s insurer prepares to defend their client and to underpay or deny you, the victim, what you deserve, you can fight back. Contacting a Georgia motorcycle accident attorney soon after your crash makes you better prepared for the civil process. Your attorney can investigate, negotiate, and communicate with you from Day One.
You must begin protecting your best interests within the one to three months following your accident. Having an attorney in your corner as you recover from your painful injuries is vital for your fight for justice and compensation.
Filing a personal injury claim for your damages is not as simple as it sounds. The process involves more than completing a form.
Motorcycle accident victims who seek compensation for damages from the responsible party’s insurer typically face a challenge. Insurers are quick to protect their policyholders rather than your best interests. Georgia motorcycle attorneys have experience negotiating with insurance companies. These attorneys professionally and firmly fight for what their clients deserve.
Motorcycle victims often face lengthy recoveries, while some suffer permanent injuries. Compensation must cover such damages as:
While the damages in motorcycle accidents are similar, the effect on one’s life is deeply personal and unique. There is no “one size fits all” regarding compensation and settlements.
Navigating the legal process with a motorcycle accident attorney makes the claim process smoother. If you suffered severe injuries due to a careless driver, consider consulting with a Georgia motorcycle attorney today.
A motorcycle accident case may go to trial. Specific conditions of a claim and about the accident can contribute to such a legal move. For example, if the negotiation process is going nowhere, your lawyer may think your case will have a better outcome if presented before a judge and jury.
Filing your motorcycle accident lawsuit within the required statute of limitations is imperative and a task best left to your lawyer. In Georgia, that timeline is typically two-years, although it could be longer or shorter depending on the circumstances of each case. If you miss the timeline requirement for filing, you may miss your chance of getting compensation forever.
A Georgia motorcycle accident lawyer with trial experience will present your case compellingly before the court. If necessary, they can manage the appeal process following the outcome of your trial.
As much as you may want it, there is no quick solution to your situation. However, your attorney will work diligently to promptly move your case to a fair resolution.
The timelines of your case and any possible settlement depend upon such factors as:
A motorcycle accident may have multiple contributing — and therefore liable — parties. Some examples are defective brakes, a distracted driver, or a combination of the two. Both the brake manufacturer and the driver may face liability for a victim’s damages.
Determining what went wrong, identifying all liable parties, and proceeding accordingly take time. Whether your case has a few contributing factors or multiple ones, you deserve a fair settlement, no matter how long it takes.
While a settlement is never promised or guaranteed, hiring an attorney protects you from accepting less than you deserve. An initial offer from an insurance company may tempt you. However, motorcycle accident victims must understand the finality of accepting such an offer. A settlement is a one-and-done decision. Having a Georgia motorcycle attorney by your side is critical as you decide whether to accept a settlement offer.
An initial settlement offer may serve as a temporary solution to your financial stress, but it most likely is not enough to cover your future medical care needs if you have severe injuries.
Alone and in a hospital bed is not the time to accept a settlement offer. You need an attorney by your side to help determine whether acceptance is the best choice.
A motorcycle ride should not end in life-altering injuries. For some operators and their passengers, the injuries are not survivable. In such cases, the victim’s family sometimes pursues a wrongful death lawsuit.
At The Stoddard Firm, we believe those who fail to share the road must face accountability. Poor choices such as speeding, drinking and driving, and driving while distracted result in negligence when it comes to motorcycle accident injuries.
You do not have to fight alone. Contact The Stoddard Firm today for help with your Georgia motorcycle accident lawsuit. Call (470) 467-2200 to schedule your free consultation.
A dedicated, ethical advocate who takes on major corporations and global insurers with virtually unlimited resources. Known for high-profile cases featured on Courtroom Viewing Network, this attorney is also a sought-after legal educator, teaching at seminars for top bar associations. Trusted by clients and media alike, they work tirelessly to secure justice and deliver results.
Member of the Atlanta Bar Association, the Georgia Bar Association, and the Georgia Trial Lawyers Association
Licensed in Georgia since: 2008
Education: University of Georgia School of Law
Personal injury compensation enables an injured individual to regain the same quality of life they had before the incident. This may entail funds for modifying a home for wheelchair accessibility or offering vocational training for those unable to return to their previous job. It is crucial for compensation to cover lost earnings and cover both past and anticipated medical costs.
We conduct interviews with colleagues, consult with attending healthcare professionals, and engage specialists to ensure we secure comprehensive compensation that aids our clients in re-establishing their life trajectories.
When deciding to hire an Atlanta personal injury lawyer, you need to consider:
1. Who’s at Fault
If you’re in an accident and it’s unclear who’s responsible, seeking advice from an attorney is wise. Insurance companies may attempt to attribute damages to you in such scenarios. An attorney can shield you from counterclaims and cross-claims, safeguarding your rights.
2. The Severity of Injuries Sustained
When facing a lifetime of pain, suffering, and mounting bills, taking chances is not an option. A personal injury attorney is entrusted with averting lifelong financial strain.
3. If You’re Facing Insurance Company Denial or Delay
The intricate laws and procedures surrounding personal injury claims are areas where insurance companies capitalize on individuals’ lack of expertise. A lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in this regard.
It’s possible but not necessarily probable and will likely depend on whether you want your case to go to trial. The majority of cases end in a settlement. Going to trial typically occurs when there are intricate, contentious matters regarding the accident’s cause or the severity of your injuries. Occasionally, defendants may simply be unyielding and unwilling to settle or you may just want more than the insurer believes is reasonable.
It shouldn’t be a shock if your attorney diligently pursues a settlement while also readying your witnesses for trial. A proficient lawyer must be equipped for any scenario. Demonstrating to the opposing party that we’re gearing up for a trial indicates that we’re resolute and not inclined to back down.
Determining all potential parties who could be held liable for a personal injury involves a thorough investigation of various factors. If someone else neglected to exercise reasonable care, they can be held accountable for the resulting injuries, as outlined in Title 51 of Georgia Code of Laws or as outlined in Georgia’s common law.
The individual directly involved in the accident may not be the sole party at fault. For instance, in the case of a drunk driving accident, while the driver may bear responsibility, the person who knowingly provided additional alcohol to an obviously intoxicated individual could also be deemed liable. In other circumstances, an at fault party’s employer is responsible for its employees actions.
Following a personal injury accident, there are critical steps you should take. First and foremost, seek prompt medical attention. Visit the emergency room or call for an ambulance at the accident site. Any delay in receiving medical care could impact your health and the outcome of your personal injury case.
Refrain from discussing your case with the insurance company representing the at-fault party. They may deny your settlement or offer a significantly lower amount than you deserve.
Additionally, it’s crucial for both you and your personal injury attorney to gather as much evidence and documentation as possible. This is vital in establishing that your injuries resulted from someone else’s negligence. Make an effort to collect records and documents related to your case, including medical records, police reports, photographs, witness contact information, and similar items. Once you’ve received medical attention, contact The Stoddard Firm.
Do not say anything! If an insurance company contacts you, refrain from providing any information until you have consulted with your attorney. Insurance companies typically contact accident victims in an attempt to elicit a statement about the incident, which they may use to devalue the settlement.
While you may eventually need to converse with them, seeking guidance from a seasoned legal team is crucial. They will provide clear instructions on what you should and should not disclose to protect the value of your case.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was revised and approved by Attorney Matthew B. Stoddard, who has more than 16 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.
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